VP, Consumer Lending, Product Innovation & Credit Analytics

At VyStar, we offer competitive pay, an excellent benefit package that includes a 401(k) Plan, an extensive paid technical and on-the-job training program, and tuition reimbursement--available to all full and part time employees.  Part time positions start at a minimum of 30 hours per week.

We encourage you to become a part of VyStar Credit Union's family of employees.

VP, Consumer Lending, Product Innovation & Credit Analytics

ACCOUNTABILITY
This senior leadership role encompasses the strategic and operational leadership responsibilities of the Consumer Lending Department including Data Analytics and model governance of artificial intelligence and machine learning models. This includes production innovation using growth analytics and data modeling to grow a $3.9 billion consumer loan portfolio across multiple states. The incumbent is responsible for providing strategic and operational direction in conjunction with the corporate business plans and objectives. The oversight and leadership of this senior leadership have a high impact on the organization's
Key Performance Indicators including Net Income, Non-interest Income, Loan Growth, Member Growth, Charge-offs as well as Member Survey results. Key responsibilities include digital and loan origination platforms, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning models to include guidance with model build and model validation. The candidate will manage all facets of consumer loan underwriting, consumer loan funding, loan fulfillment for an extensive branch retail network, call center, and all digital channels, as well as product innovation and assist with loan participation due diligence. Recommends, develops, and implements short and long-term strategies to ensure VyStar maintains and balances growth and quality lending practices. Creates a professional, positive work environment where innovation in process improvement and excellent service delivery are required. Actively assists in the support and successful implementation of programs, products, and software which may include training. In addition, the Incumbent also has primary responsibility to manage and expand the lending channel including new product innovation and development and market expansion in line with credit union growth objectives and expansion into new markets. The incumbent also has responsibility for managing the Data Analytics Manager and a team of data analysts, and lending platform system administrators. This team develops and monitors data models to enhance the overall automation and credit risk performance of the loan origination system and consumer loan portfolio quality.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- This role encompasses the strategic and operational leadership responsibility for the Consumer Lending Department. The incumbent is responsible for providing strategic and operational direction in conjunction with the corporate business plans and objectives.
- The candidate will manage all facets of consumer loan underwriting, consumer loan funding, loan fulfillment for an extensive branch retail network, call center, and all digital channels, as well as product innovation and assist with loan participation due diligence. The responsibilities encompass the management and validation of complex artificial intelligence models which include guidance with model builds, model validation, and regulatory compliance. The incumbent also has responsibilities to effectively manage several key third-party strategic relationships that are critical to organizational overall success which include: TransUnion, ZestAi, Open Lending, CuneXus, etc. The incumbent is also responsible for driving efficiencies through developing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in collaboration with the Strategic & Business Transformation teams.
- Recommends, develops, and implements short and long-term strategies to ensure VyStar maintains and balances growth and quality lending practices. Creates a professional, positive work environment where innovation in process improvement and excellent service delivery are required.
- Actively assists in the support and successful implementation of programs, products, and software which may include training. In addition, the Incumbent also has primary responsibility
- to manage and expand the lending channel including new product innovation and development and market expansion in line with credit union growth objectives and expansion into new markets.
- The Data Analysts Manager and analyst team develops and monitors data model governance protocols to enhance the overall automation and credit risk mitigation strategies of the credit union and the financial performance of a $3.9 billion consumer loan portfolio quality.

Lending and Leadership Management

- Directly leads the Consumer Lending Management Team of a $3.9 billion consumer loan portfolio to ensure all corporate goals and objectives are obtained.
- Evaluation of, and data governance and administration of, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics partnerships leveraged to achieve corporate objectives
- Directs guidance to ensure the proper application of procedures and policies by staff to achieve quality service, improve productivity, and maintain confidentiality and security controls.
- Manage all aspects of the direct consumer lending verticals including all product development and rollout, system implementation and enhancements, and geographic expansion aligned with credit growth.
- Works closely with SVP Consumer Lending, Chief Lending Officer, and VP Finance on product profitability and program management that aligns with key business objectives of the organization.
- Responsible for generating over $1.2 billion in annual receivables to drive organizational achievement of key performance metrics including annual net income, loan growth, member growth, and member satisfaction.
- Makes credit decisions as authorized by the Credit Manager/Chief Lending Officer and outlined in loan policy. Reviews, as necessary, any consumer or mortgage equity loan product request that may require an exception to established policy. If deemed appropriate, approves the request and reports it to the Chief Lending Officer. And Board through monthly reporting.
- Responsible for monitoring and balancing numerous general ledger accounts as related to loan funding and disbursing activity.
- Continually monitors and takes appropriate measures to provide quality assurance to the department in efforts to effectively balance and manage the loan portfolio.
- Plans structure and resources for the department(s) to achieve optimal efficiency and performance and makes recommendations for staffing the department to the Senior Vice President.
- Works directly with Branches, Contact Center, and members to resolve issues.
- Monitors the performance of staff, coaches, and mentors as necessary.
- Assists Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer with miscellaneous projects as assigned.
- Develops and recommends annual business plans and budget recommendations for areas of responsibility.

Analytical and Systems Management

- Responsible for the direct loan origination system and all system updates and changes.
- Reviews current and prospective vendors to integrate with loan origination systems to enhance the workflow and member experience.
- Works with analysts to create PowerBI dashboards and reports to monitor portfolio risk and production.
- Works with Data scientists and outside vendors to create, monitor, and ongoing valuation of data modules using regression and machine learning.
- Prepares, evaluates, and reviews monthly loan volume reports with the Senior Vice President and/or Chief Lending Officer to ensure objectives are met and to make any necessary adjustments to identified trends.
- Recommends innovation and effectively manages loan origination systems including data analytics platforms to improve processing efficiencies, reduce costs and enhance net interest income aligned with corporate objectives and Annual Operating Plans. Analyzes content and/or develops appropriate reports to identify trends or emerging needs for the consumer lending areas.
- Responsibility for the vendor management process as related to Consumer Lending. Includes negotiating service levels, pricing, and all critical elements of the vendor agreement in conjunction with the Vendor Management group.
- Works with the Information Technology and Information Development Systems groups to make recommendations to enhance technology, programs, products, and processes.
- Monitors adherence to lending policies, regulations, and service level standards. Provides monthly reports encompassing each of these items to the Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, and Board.
- Assists in the development of new products, policies, and technology changes.

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Compliance Management

- Ensures all regulatory reporting is completed on or before required deadlines.
- Responsible for all consumer lending disclosures ensuring they meet all Federal and State lending regulations.
- Ensures all consumer loan practices are in accordance with the credit union’s established procedures and policies.
- Works with the Consumer Lending Management team, to ensure they have a complete understanding of all state and federal regulations (Reg Z, Reg B, Reg D, etc.).
- Ensures proper quality control measures are in place and actively reviews those activities and results.
- Ensures all regulatory changes or additions are implemented in the department on time and that all staff members are properly trained.
- All employees and business units, as first line of defense, are expected to proactively help identify, assess, manage, and report risks within their domain of work. To enhance a healthy risk culture and support our growth for good pillar, employees will maintain vigilance in safeguarding our operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates. The Risk team serves as the second line of defense by providing risk oversight and credible challenge whereas the Audit team serves as the third line of defense by providing risk assurance.

Incumbent is expected to demonstrate each of the following VyStar Excellence behaviors in performing the duties and responsibilities of their job:

- Focus - Focus your full attention by carefully listening to and observing client or member.
- Connect - Consistently be friendly and approachable.  Demonstrate your care.
- Understand - Listen empathetically and ask questions (70%/30% rule).
- Counsel - Recommend solutions based on your member’s needs and objectives.
- Advance - Ensure that member’s expectations were exceeded.
- Verify necessary follow-up actions.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

- Formal higher education (bachelor’s or higher) may be substituted with experience at a 2:1
- Formal education or experience in data analytics and artificial intelligence and model governance are required.
- A master’s degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

- A minimum of 15 years’ experience is required in the financial industry with at least 5 of those years specifically in a senior management position within the consumer lending industry
- Agile and Lean Six Sigma experience or designation, preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS

- National compliance officer (NCCO) designation, preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent leadership skills and a passion for the delivery of service excellence with world-class member service.
- Excellent process improvement capabilities er experience.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Strong knowledge of all regulatory laws pertaining to lending (Reg Z, Reg B, Reg D, etc.).
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work under extreme pressure.

DISCLAIMER AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Nothing in this position description is an implied contract for employment. The position description is intended to be an accurate account of the essential functions. The functions are not all encompassing and are subject to change at any time by management. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. As required or requested, may exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

VyStar Credit Union is not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at VyStar via e-mail, internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of VyStar Credit Union.

No placement fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means.

Thank you for your inquiry regarding our current job opening.  Your resume will be carefully reviewed against the position requirements. Should your experience and skills match, you will be contacted by one of our Human Resources department staff members.

Thank you again for your interest in this position!

VyStar Credit Union Human Resources